The 7 Critical Reasons To Call The Arlington Police Non-Emergency Line (817) 274-4444
Knowing the correct number to call in a non-life-threatening situation is one of the most important ways citizens can support the Arlington Police Department (APD) and ensure efficient emergency response. As of late 2025, the official and current non-emergency line for the City of Arlington, Texas, is (817) 274-4444. This number is your direct link to APD dispatch when a situation requires police intervention but does not pose an immediate danger to life or property.
The distinction between 911 and the non-emergency line is vital for public safety, as misuse of 911 can delay response times for genuine emergencies. This comprehensive guide details the exact scenarios for using the non-emergency line, explores alternative reporting methods, and highlights the latest, unique initiatives from the Arlington Police Department.
Arlington Police Department (APD) Key Contact Directory
The Arlington Police Department, led by Police Chief Alexander Jones since 2020, serves the City of Arlington, Texas. The department’s headquarters are located in Downtown Arlington.
- Location: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
- General Information Line: (817) 459-5600
- Emergency (Life or Property Threat): 911
- Non-Emergency Police Line: (817) 274-4444
- Animal Services Field Operations: (817) 459-5898 (for loose animals, welfare checks)
- Traffic Division Contact: (817) 459-5600 (Main APD number for routing to the Traffic Division)
The 7 Critical Scenarios for Calling (817) 274-4444
The non-emergency line (817) 274-4444 is designed to manage calls for service that do not involve an immediate threat. Using this line correctly frees up 911 dispatchers to focus on true emergencies, such as crimes in progress, fires, or medical crises. Here are the seven most common and critical reasons to call the Arlington Police non-emergency number:
1. Reporting a Crime That Has Already Occurred
If you discover that a crime has taken place, but the suspect is no longer present and there is no immediate danger, you should use the non-emergency line. This includes incidents like:
- Burglary or Theft: Discovering your home or vehicle was broken into hours after the fact.
- Vandalism: Reporting graffiti or property damage where the perpetrator has left the scene.
- Minor Assault: An assault that occurred in the past, and the victim is now safe.
2. Non-Injury or Minor Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in a traffic accident where no one is injured, and the vehicles are drivable, calling the non-emergency line is appropriate. This prevents tying up 911 resources needed for serious collisions. The Traffic Division of the APD handles the enforcement of traffic laws and accident investigation, and the non-emergency line is the gateway to initiating a report [cite: 14 in step 3].
3. Reporting Suspicious Activity or Persons
If you observe suspicious behavior that seems unusual but does not escalate to an immediate threat—such as a strange vehicle circling a neighborhood repeatedly, or an unfamiliar person loitering—call the non-emergency line. This allows an officer to be dispatched for observation without the urgency of an emergency call. The APD encourages all citizens to be proactive in crime prevention.
4. Noise Complaints and Disturbances
Common neighborhood disputes or quality-of-life issues that require police intervention but are not emergencies should be directed to (817) 274-4444. Examples include:
- Loud music or parties late at night.
- Barking dogs (though Animal Services may be the primary contact for some animal-related issues).
- Civil disputes between neighbors that are non-violent.
5. Identity Theft and Financial Crimes
To report identity theft, credit card fraud, or other financial crimes, you should call the non-emergency line [cite: 8 in step 1]. These types of investigations require a police report but do not involve a suspect in custody or a threat in progress. The APD often directs citizens to the Online Reporting System for these types of incidents, provided certain criteria are met.
6. Requesting a Welfare Check
If you are concerned about the well-being of a friend, relative, or neighbor and cannot reach them, but there is no immediate evidence of a life-threatening emergency (like smoke or sounds of distress), you can request a welfare check through the non-emergency line. The APD will dispatch an officer to check on the individual.
7. General Police Questions and Administrative Requests
Use the non-emergency number to inquire about police procedures, request contact with a specific unit (like the Community Engagement Bureau or a Beat Sergeant) [cite: 13 in step 3, 10 in step 4], or to ask how to obtain a copy of a police report. For accident reports, the APD directs citizens to the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System [cite: 16 in step 3].
APD’s Digital Alternative: The Online Reporting System (Citizen Self Report)
For maximum efficiency, the Arlington Police Department encourages residents to use the Online Reporting System (sometimes referred to as the Citizen Self Report) for specific, non-emergency incidents [cite: 5 in step 4].
This system is ideal when:
- The incident occurred within the City of Arlington, TX.
- There are no known suspects.
- There is no physical evidence to be collected.
- The crime is not in progress.
Common incidents that can be filed online include low-value theft, lost property, and certain types of fraud. Using this digital tool streamlines the reporting process for both the citizen and APD staff, allowing officers to focus on higher-priority calls dispatched through the 911 and non-emergency lines.
Arlington PD’s Commitment to Modern Policing and Community Engagement
The Arlington Police Department is actively embracing modern technology and community-focused policing to enhance safety. This commitment is reflected in recent departmental news and initiatives, providing fresh context to their operations and proving their dedication to topical authority.
Technological Advancements: Drones as First Responders
In a major, unique initiative, the APD has begun utilizing drones as 'first responders' for certain emergency calls [cite: 17 in step 2]. This program allows a remote-controlled drone to be deployed rapidly to the scene of a crime or emergency, providing immediate situational awareness to dispatchers and officers en route. This cutting-edge technology helps APD assess risk, locate suspects, and determine the necessary level of response before human officers even arrive, ultimately improving safety and response times for all Arlington residents.
Focus on Specialized Community Units
APD has invested heavily in specialized units that address complex social issues, often working closely with the non-emergency line callers. These entities include:
- The Victim Services Unit, which provides critical support to crime victims [cite: 8 in step 3].
- The Homeless Engagement And Resource Team (HEART), which pairs officers with crisis intervention specialists to address homelessness and related issues [cite: 15 in step 4, 17 in step 4].
- The Crime Prevention Unit, part of the Community Engagement Bureau, which works directly with citizens and businesses to reduce crime [cite: 10 in step 4].
Furthermore, the APD’s 2024 Annual Report highlighted a 5% decrease in overall crime, attributing the success in part to these technology and community-focused strategies [cite: 7 in step 2, 8 in step 2]. The non-emergency line remains the crucial first point of contact for citizens to access these specialized resources and report concerns that contribute to the department's data-driven approach to safety.
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